BMW M2 Racing Set to ‘Redefine’ Entry-Level Segment for IMSA

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The BMW M2 Racing is set to “redefine” the entry-level segment as a new class in the endurance rounds of IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge next year according to BMW of North America customer and racing manager Adam McGregor.

Revealed by IMSA President John Doonan in last month’s episode of the IMSA Endurance Hour Podcast, the sanctioning body released further details of the BMW M2 Challenge class on Monday ahead of its debut at four, two-hour races on the VP Racing Challenge schedule next year.

The four events — at Sebring International Raceway, Circuit of The Americas, Virginia International Raceway and Road America — will be run on USAC race weekends but remain IMSA-sanctioned and for LMP3 and M2 Challenge machinery only.

Two drivers can be nominated for each M2 Challenge car, with a minimum of one Bronze or Silver-rated driver. Platinum-rated drivers will be prohibited from competing.

With a price of €98,000 (appx. $111,000 USD, not including possible U.S. tariffs), the M2 Challenge is set be one of the most affordable entry points for IMSA-sanctioned competition next year.

“With the launch of the new BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition of building accessible, high-performance racing cars that deliver both excitement and results,” said McGregor.

“As with its predecessor, the BMW M2 CS Racing, the BMW M2 Racing is set to redefine the entry-level segment, offering racing teams and drivers alike a car that is both affordable and uncompromising in performance, durability and driving pleasure.”

An end-of-year champion will be crowned in the M2 Challenge class for the endurance races, while the LMP3 class will combine with the six sprint weekends, comprising of GTDX (GT3) and GSX (GT4) machinery, for an overall series champion.

The sprint portion of the season kicks off at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 16-18, with the first round of the endurance season at Sebring on March 6-8.

Source: Sports Car 365